Golden K Club hears update on Pine Mountain ski jump
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By Joan Jouppi
For The Daily News
KINGSFORD -- "Sentimental Journey" was the kickoff song for the Nov. 1 Golden K meeting. The 25 seniors in attendance began with the usual Pledge of Allegiance, followed by singing "God Bless America."
In opening statements, we remind ourselves to be happy even when things don't go pleasantly. Trying times these days can test our resolve.
Orice Walters introduced the guest speaker, who just happened to be her son. Lennie Walters is vice president of the local Kiwanis Ski Club. He gave a presentation about the ski jump hill and evolving plans for next year's tournament.
The improvement on the scaffolding and hill insures Iron Mountain's place as a world-class tournament site. Pine Mountain hosts the annual International Continental Cup competition.
The local hill still holds the U.S. record for the longest jump in World Cup competition. Pine Mountain is the highest man-made scaffolding in tournament use. Ski jumping is a premier sport in Europe and over the years the local club has hosted many world-class skiers.
The new scaffold features a 23-square-foot warming shack on the top. Did you know that you can rent that space for special events? What a beautiful view for a business or family reception.
The new metal scaffold is steel from Slovenia and nine Slovanian workers traveled here for the assembly process.
Plans are complete for the upcoming installation of an elevator to the top. Many local businesses and individuals have donated toward the improvements so far, but funding is still needed for the elevator construction. International guidelines require it to be padded, 10 feet high, and able to hold six skiers.
There's a robot on top of the new scaffold. It keeps the new ceramic track at the right level and temperature. The track and scaffold should always be in perfect condition for the tournaments.
The next tournament is scheduled for Feb. 4-6. The opening will be on Friday, as a back up day that can be used for competition should high winds prevent skiing on Saturday or Sunday.
The Kiwanis Ski Club is expecting a high turnout this year, since last year was canceled due to the pandemic. Shuttles are planned to accommodate increased crowds and as preparation for future World Cup events. Admission prices have not yet been decided.
The local Kiwanis Ski club welcomes volunteers and donations. Their next meeting is at 6 p.m. today at the clubhouse at the Pine Mountain landing. The club can be found on Facebook or contacted by calling 906-779-1110. Their new website is currently being developed.
The Golden K Club meets at 10:30 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church, 395 Hamilton Ave. in Kingsford. Everyone is welcome.